Israel Kills Over 100 in Beirut Despite US-Iran Ceasefire Including Lebanon
Key Takeaways
- Israeli airstrikes across Beirut and Lebanon killed at least 112 people.
- The strikes continued during a US-Iran two-week ceasefire.
- Beirut central districts endured heavy airstrikes and widespread destruction.
Israel Bombs Beirut After US-Iran Ceasefire
Just hours after a two-week ceasefire was announced between the United States and Iran, Israel launched a massive bombardment across Lebanon.
Israel struck more than 100 targets in central Beirut and killed at least 112 people, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.
Mediator Pakistan stated the ceasefire included Lebanon; Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump insisted Lebanon was not part of the deal because of Hezbollah.
The Israeli military called it its largest coordinated strike in the current war, targeting Hezbollah command and control centers.
The Guardian described it as one of the worst mass-killings in Lebanon since the end of the country’s civil war in 1990.
Ceasefire Confusion and Contradictions
Trump told PBS that Lebanon was not included because of Hezbollah, while Pakistan's Prime Minister said the agreement includes Lebanon.
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged a legitimate misunderstanding.
Iran's IRGC warned it would respond to attacks on Lebanon if Israel did not stop.
The Guardian reported that Iran was exercising dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, which remained effectively closed despite the ceasefire.
The contradictory claims set the stage for continued violence despite the deal.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolds
The UN warned Lebanon was descending deeper into humanitarian catastrophe as relentless bombing escalated.
More than 1.1 million people had been forced from their homes since early March.
The UN Population Fund warned women and girls were bearing an unprecedented burden.
Hospitals were overwhelmed, with one of Beirut's biggest calling for blood donations of all types.
The Lebanese government declared a national day of mourning.
Iran Threatens Retaliation
Iran's IRGC warned Israel that if it continued striking Lebanon, it would deliver a regretful response.
An attack on the proud Hezbollah is an attack on Iran, Mousavi wrote.
The IRGC directly addressed Washington and Tel Aviv, warning they would fulfill their duty to respond.
Iran's parliament speaker said key clauses of the agreed framework were violated.
Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel's attacks on Lebanon.
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